Preamble

The Pre-Match Preamble – Gameweek 32

So the gamble on the Wayne Rooney armband went slightly awry. Typically, Luis Suarez rained on my parade and punished my punt with another hat-trick on his way to a 25-point haul. To compound matters, Yaya Toure topped the Uruguayan, applying ample salt to my wounds as my rank drifted into further obscurity.

While this week’s ScoutCast was aptly titled – filled with moans and awkward attempts at justifying mistakes – I’ve only got myself to blame: dare to turn your back on this season’s limited number of true heavy-hitters and there’s every chance you’ll come out licking wounds. Quite simply, the supporting cast of Fantasy talent have failed to keep pace.

I’ve used this article before to focus on the midfield landscape and it’s pretty clear that this has hardly been resolved in recent weeks: Toure and Eden Hazard still dominate, with Adam Lallana occasionally flirting with double figures and Steven Gerrard exploiting set-pieces to join him.

Up front, however, the situation has become similarly settled – perhaps more so. The Liverpool strikers are currently monopolising our thinking and it’s likely that if you don’t own both Suarez and Daniel Sturridge, you’ve been forced to consider it very seriously or risk falling further adrift.

Again, the options are failing to run them close. Rooney, for all his efforts, is playing in a side devoid of confidence and lacking the fluidity to feed him the opportunity to rival the Merseyside hitmen. Romelu Lukaku, for his gradual grind towards a respectable goal tally, has lacked the potential to explode. Beyond that, we’re left looking at a cast of differentials, destined to fail in their attempts to outscore the Liverpool pair – Jay Rodriguez, Wilfried Bony, Olivier Giroud, Christian Benteke. I certainly hope that one of those names can emerge and genuinely turn in an end of season run. I won’t be alone.

Anyone looking above them in their mini-league will be wondering how they make up ground if, each time they differentiate their team from those above, they seem to slip further behind. From my experience last weekend, switching the captaincy from Suarez isn’t the answer.

So, inevitably, this can, again, come across as bitterness from a struggling Fantasy manager but my views on how the season has progressed are not totally tainted by my own plight. I had similar opinions on template teams last season on my way to a far more respectable rank.

For my money, it’s difficult to deny that injuries and United’s decline have exacerbated matters – we’ve been robbed of Theo Walcott, Michu, Robin van Persie and Sergio Aguero. Meanwhile Mesut Ozil has failed to live up to his billing and Santi Cazorla has struggled alongside him. This group of players could have been expected to offer viable alternatives to the current crop of names that dominate the ranks and offer mid-table Fantasy managers options. Without them, the season has settled into an all-too-familiar pattern of scoring, disrupted occasionally by the odd breakout performance from an unexpected source.

Regardless of rank and my ability to exploit how this season has developed, I’d be left hoping for a shake-up next term. Clearly the likes of Toure, Hazard and Liverpool’s “SAS” will enjoy price hikes going into the next campaign. Despite that, they’ll be established as hugely popular picks from the off. However, there will likely be another group of Fantasy managers who take a few risks – who back Van Persie, Walcott and Michu again in hope they can find the fitness and form to re-establish themselves as big factors in these games we play.

I really hope that the next campaign offers some reward for looking beyond this season’s big scorers. That’s not sour grapes, that’s just me craving more options when it comes to my Saturday morning decision-making.

Mark Mark created the beast. He's now looking to tame it.

1,304 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Reedy
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 2 days ago

    Anyone got the link for UFPL? Can't get in via FPL as it's updating.

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    1. mipola
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 2 days ago

      Dont think u can access it when fpl is updating

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    2. Lucy.
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 2 days ago

      ultimate.premierleague.com

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      1. Reedy
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 2 days ago

        Thanks Lucy. Mipola's right though, it won't let me in.

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    3. Billy Gilmore
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 2 days ago

      Type ultimate in your address bar.

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      1. Reedy
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 2 days ago

        Good thinking, same results though.

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    4. Reedy
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 2 days ago

      It's OK I'll still get time to make my changes I think

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      1. Lucy.
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 2 days ago

        Good 😀

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  2. Arvin-ation
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 2 days ago

    Rooney to be highest scoring forward this week

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    1. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 2 days ago

      No

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      1. Arvin-ation
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 2 days ago

        Yes :S

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    2. Punty
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 2 days ago

      Or Benteke or Suarez

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    3. Lawrø
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 2 days ago

      You're forgetting which stadium he's playing at.

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    4. Malcolm Tucker for England …
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 2 days ago

      Frambell to get 2 and an assist...

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    5. Arvin-ation
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 2 days ago

      Just my opinion 🙂

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  3. Your Mum's Athletic
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 2 days ago

    Evra > Zabaleta is the best transfer iv made this season (that should sum up my season :D)

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  4. Zep
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 2 days ago

    So Olsson, welcome to the starting lineup...

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  5. applebonkers
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 2 days ago

    rooney hasn't scored at home since october, mata hasn't scored all season. got >20mil invested in both

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    1. beric
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 2 days ago

      Really weird that rooney hasnt performed at OT, hopefully today is when that changes

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    2. Elniñorules
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 2 days ago

      Mata 1 goal in last 34 PL apps 😯

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      1. applebonkers
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 2 days ago

        fook a dook, shocking

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  6. piquiblanco
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 2 days ago

    Will Collins play for WHU? I have Evra in starting XI and Ward as the fifth def.

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    1. J0E
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 2 days ago

      Snap. Hope so too.

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  7. Lawrø
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 2 days ago

    Score predictions?

    2-0 to Villa for me.

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    1. Punty
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 2 days ago

      With kagawa mata and rooney? I think 2-1 or 3-1 to villa

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    2. Respect My Authoritah
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 2 days ago

      4-3 United

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    3. Lucy.
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 2 days ago

      3-2 to Man U.

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    4. Jax
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 2 days ago

      3 home defeats in a row? never gonna happen.

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    5. Malcolm Tucker for England …
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 2 days ago

      1-3 to villa, benteke 1st scorer. 350/1 🙂

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      1. Malcolm Tucker for England …
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 2 days ago

        which is why t won't happen..

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    6. Billy Gilmore
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 2 days ago

      0-3

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  8. NATSTER
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 2 days ago

    I've put a lot of thought over the week whether to start Evra or Fonte.

    Keep Fonte in 11 for all week.

    Then, hesitated and brought Evra to 11 on the last 5 minutes.

    Then, changed my mind again and brought Fonte back ... but updating. 🙁

    Line-up announced ... Buttner starts. I know my luck.

    Then, no Evra on bench too. 🙂

    It's all about fantasy football and how it's so addictive. 😀

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  9. blauriecon
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 2 days ago

    Evra out
    No problem
    Saved transfer for two Man City players in this week.
    Whoever emerges healthy from this weekend.

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  10. jas5sk - Youtube channel
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 2 days ago

    Welbeck bench, Januzaj benched, Nani benched...It's like he's losing on purpose 😆

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  11. Parm
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 2 days ago

    Anyway, Moyes needs to play two pacey wingers on Tuesday if he wants to stay in the tie. #Nani #Welbz

    Nani, Kagawa, Welbeck.
    Rooney.

    😉

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    1. jas5sk - Youtube channel
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 2 days ago

      Still don't get the point of playing Kagawa...Maybe 3 years ago there was one, but now?

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      1. Parm
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 2 days ago

        He'll probably be off in the summer.

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  12. Dr Dream
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 2 days ago

    Albrighton starts...Great little player, Buttner has got a problem today.

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    1. Parm
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 2 days ago

      He's good, but he's no Robben...

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      1. Malcolm Tucker for England …
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 2 days ago

        Buttner is no Tony Hibbert....

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      2. Dr Dream
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 2 days ago

        No he's not..but he'll do as a warm up...right sort of player actually.

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    2. d1sable
      • Has Moderation Rights
      10 years, 2 days ago

      To be fair Buttner would struggle vs me

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  13. Zep
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 2 days ago

    Evra > Kompany or Demichelis?

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    1. blauriecon
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 2 days ago

      Depends on if you need the .4

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    2. Bootsy: Snoddy's Reven…
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 2 days ago

      Don't tarnish a fine team with Demichelis

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  14. super zlatan
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 2 days ago

    Afternoon lads

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    1. beric
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 2 days ago

      Hi there super Z

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  15. Elniñorules
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 2 days ago

    2 months to the end of the season and Moyes has no f**king clue. Still continues to play whatever team he fancies on a given day.

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    1. Lucy.
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 2 days ago

      I do wonder if he just has a hat of defenders, a hat of midfielders and picks from those.

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    2. super zlatan
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 2 days ago

      He is a clown. I'm a united fan and I detest him.

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    3. Les Bleus
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 2 days ago

      I completely agree. He has no idea which team is his strongest. Albeit, he has had a countless number of injuries throughout the season. Still no excuse though.

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    4. Bootsy: Snoddy's Reven…
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 2 days ago

      Totally prepping for Bayern - good team imo

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    5. FACUPARSE
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 2 days ago

      "Sometimes as supporters you can feel quite upset but sometimes you've also got to show a bit of class.
      "Everybody can support a team when they're doing well - that's easy. But it's like life, the time you find out who your friends and supporters are is when things are going wrong.
      "That is a real test of good supporters."

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    6. Parm
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 2 days ago

      It really pisses me off, he makes changes to the side no matter what the result, the wingers can't maintain some form because they're being dropped after a good performance, Mata has no idea where he's playing, out wide or in the hole, same with Kagawa.

      We have a different set of centre-backs every game, whereas Chelsea play Cahill & Terry EVERY game, can't be good for two centre-halfs(Jones + Evans/Smalling) creating a partnership/understanding.

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  16. You've got red on you.
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 2 days ago

    Why can't Evra play in Champions League on Tuesday? Yellow cards?

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    1. Les Bleus
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 2 days ago

      Yes. Suspended for one game.

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    2. elkunaguero
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 2 days ago

      yep

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  17. Respect My Authoritah
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 2 days ago

    He'll play centrally surely?

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  18. Captain Berbarossa - arrrrr…
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 2 days ago

    Had to get rid of a premium defender anyway so Evra omission makes decision really easy.

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  19. Chucky
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 2 days ago

    Updated !!!!!!!!!

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    1. Reedy
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 2 days ago

      Thanks! So it is 🙂

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  20. FPL_Liger
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 2 days ago

    Great article Mark ! i agree!

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  21. Henry Hill
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 2 days ago

    What time does the FPL discovery site usually update?

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  22. Your Mum's Athletic
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 2 days ago

    UPDATED

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    1. Reedy
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 2 days ago

      He always looks purrplexed.

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      1. Billy Gilmore
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 2 days ago

        Nice 😀

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        1. Billy Gilmore
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 2 days ago

          Can't believe I missed purrfect.

          *slaps self*

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    2. Gaz Downright
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 2 days ago

      😆

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  23. Pepin - RIP Absinthe
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 2 days ago

    Didn't FPL use to say 'Most Captained' on the Status page last season? Haven't seen this all season 😳

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    1. Billy Gilmore
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 2 days ago

      They got rid of it as it was shite.

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    2. beric
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 2 days ago

      Its pointless with allt he dead teams

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    1. Reedy
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 2 days ago

      Damn, I nearly went for that!

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    2. Zep
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 2 days ago

      Good team, on the same points as me...

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    3. FPL_Liger
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 2 days ago

      lool

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    4. Malcolm Tucker for England …
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 2 days ago

      Joe Mason, one for the future..

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  24. jas5sk - Youtube channel
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 2 days ago

    At this point, Moyes' job must depend on how they do vs Bayern only

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    1. Gaz Downright
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 2 days ago

      I honestly can't see how he can continue. Don't think the Bayern game will mean much even if they should get something from that. Which they won't.

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      1. jas5sk - Youtube channel
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 2 days ago

        If they win the tie, he's un-sackable, no?

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        1. Dr Dream
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 2 days ago

          He has real problem if they bomb today..especially if Buttner had a bad game.

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  25. Perchinho
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 2 days ago

    Over the next couple of GWs:
    A. Hazard and Bourc -> Yaya and Hart
    B. Gerrard and Sagna -> Yaya and Demichelis

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  26. J0E
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 2 days ago

    Any fellow Evra owners fancy clubbing together and booking one of those plane banners for today's match.

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    1. FPL_Liger
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 2 days ago

      To cheer him on? This whole plane banner thing doesn't sit right

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      1. J0E
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 2 days ago

        I wasn't exactly thinking of cheering him on.

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        1. Billy Gilmore
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 2 days ago

          😆

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        2. FPL_Liger
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 2 days ago

          Why not get behind the team? Can;t expect instant success just because it's happened before

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          1. Leeroy Jenkyns
            • 10 Years
            10 years, 2 days ago

            What "instant success" are you speaking of? United aren't Chelsea or City. Success was earned and money came because of, not injected.

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